Cádiz cruise port guide

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Why go?

Andalucia’s underrated wonder, Cádiz, was as important as Seville in Spain’s maritime history. While technically on the Atlantic coast, Cádiz is a historic gateway to the Mediterranean and is often included on cruises in the inland sea as well as those heading for Lisbon and northern Europe.

Though often overlooked by travellers to the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz, it’s arguably the oldest continually inhabited city in Western Europe. Some cruises stop here to ship passengers inland to Seville and Jerez, but Cádiz merits half a day at least.

Passengers could visit both cathedrals, the newer cathedral (pictured) and El SagrarioCredit:
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Cruise port location

Cruises dock at the Alfonso XIII and Ciudad piers at the westerly tip of the peninsula on which Cádiz sits, close to the historic centre. Wi-Fi is available at the terminal and there are shops and ATMs. Each pier accommodates a single vessel. Cross the road and you’re right in the thick of things.

Can I walk to any places of interest?

There are only about six blocks from the port wharf on the north coast to the ocean on the south. The new and old cathedral – the latter is known as El Sagrario – and several plazas are within walking distance. A good walker can, indeed, make it round all the central districts and old ramparts.

Getting around

The city centre is very easy to explore on foot. Taxis and bus lines, starting from Plaza de España, connect it to the outlying beaches. Rail connects the city to Seville and beyond; the Alvia trains are the fastest.

Seville's Metropol Parasol building is known locally as las setas (the mushrooms)Credit:
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What to see and do

Though settled way back in 1100BC by the Phoenicians, Cádiz is essentially a medieval city, with a maze of narrow roads and alleys squeezed into the bottle shaped peninsula. Many important historic sights are found in this compact area; wherever you walk, the streets end with an airy seaview.

What can I do in four hours or less?

Many cruise operators (including Holland America Line, MSC and Princess Cruises), offer guided walking tours of Cádiz. If you go independently, stick to the historic centre. Take in the Catedral Nueva – built in the 17th and 18th century so not that “nueva” at all – and adjoining El Sagrario, the ruins of the Roman theatre in the ancient barrio of El Pópulo, the Torre Tavira – one of 129 watchtowers that dot the city – and the sea-front promenades, which offer pleasant breezes after the narrow, sometimes stifling medieval streets.

The Plaza de España (the main square) and plant-filled Parque Genovés on the northwest corner of the coast are open spaces where you can watch locals (known as gaditanos) shoot the breeze and stroll, push prams and walk dogs. During summer, performances and theatrical shows take place at the outdoor theatre here.

The Museum of Cádiz displays items found at a Phoenician necropolis and many other antiquities, providing visitors with an overview of the city’s storied past.

The Playa de la Caleta is a popular beach close to the centre, with plenty of places to eat on the seaside and calm waters for swimming. Note the modernista-style balneario (bath house).

Follow the coast south to walk along the Paseo del Vendaval, turning inland before the cathedral to take a look inside the mercado central de abastos – the main fresh food market, built in 1838 but repeatedly remodelled – before heading back to the ship.

Budding dancers could try out flamenco while they're ashoreCredit:
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What can I do in eight hours or less?

All of the above are highly recommended. With a bit more time, you might want to join an organised excursion to Seville (1.5 hours by road) or Jerez de la Frontera (30 minutes). Both are characterful towns, though more touristy than Cádiz. Some cruise lines also offer flamenco classes, which are great fun.

If you opt to stay and do your own thing, you can indulge in tapas at one of the many bars that dot the centre, and should pop into the Casa de Iberoamérica, an art gallery housed in the old prison that’s worth half an hour for the building alone. Exhibitions focus on Latin American artists, highlighting Cádiz’s historic role as a point of departure for the Spanish Indies.

Beyond the historic centre lie the fine sandy beaches of Santa María del Mar, Victoria and the city’s longest beach, Playa de la Cortadura. Cádiz is as popular with Spanish beach-lovers as with foreigners. Buses and taxis ply the length of the peninsula, but leave time for getting back to the ship if you do a longish walk.

Wrap up your long sojourn with coffee or a fine manzanilla sherry at the Café Royalty, the city’s grandest café – opulently appointed inside, it opened in 1912 and was a favourite with composer Manuel de Falla. It reopened in 2012 after being closed for decades.

Sherry lovers shouldn't miss out on a tasting experienceCredit:
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What can I do with a bit longer?

Cádiz is an excellent base for exploring the so-called Sherry Triangle – the three distillery cities of Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The latter was used by Columbus for his third voyage and was the departure point for Magellan’s circumnavigation voyage in 1519. East and west of Cádiz are the beautiful beaches of the Costa de la Luz, plus golf courses and smart resorts galore.

Eat and drink

Tapas in Andalucia are a must: there are cosy bars of every description in the old centre and on the coast. Casa Manteca is lively and full of bullfighting and carnival paraphernalia – Cádiz’s carnival is famed throughout Spain.

Classic bites include gambas (prawns) in garlic, deep-fried fish and pork belly. The city also boasts a large number of small bars (tabernas) specialising in local sherries.

Don’t leave the island without...

A small-batch organic olive oil is always worth taking home; many of the delis and the stalls at the mercado central will let you try before buying. Expect an almost spicy hit from good oil. Ditto if you’re a sherry fan. Beachwear, gorgeous fans and vintage posters are also popular buys.

Need to know

Flight time

The best airport for Cádiz is Jerez de la Frontera. Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Jerez (2 hours 55 minutes) four times a week.

You could sample local fare or just people watch in the food marketsCredit:
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If leaving from anywhere other than Essex/London, change at Madrid. TUI flies to Cádiz from London Gatwick in the summer months.

Safety

Cádiz is a safe, friendly city. Be wary of pickpockets as you would in any other busy, tourist-thronged destination. Southern Spain is a major centre of drug and migrant traficking.

Best time to go

Cádiz can be swelteringly hot in summer, but is pleasant the rest of the year. Winters sometimes turn gloomy on the Spanish coast.

Closures

Monday is the main closing day for museums. Shops close Sundays.

Save money

Public buses are cheap and there are “Bonobús” passes for 10 trips. There are hop-on, hop-off tourist bus services operating around Cádiz.